World leaders head to New York for UN General Assembly: the issues expected to dominate

New York is set to welcome leaders and diplomats from countries around the world this week for the United Nations General Assembly, one of the main forums of international diplomacy.

With more than 130 heads of state and government expected to attend, the meeting is expected to provide a forum for bilateral talks, negotiations and an exchange of views on the biggest global conflicts and challenges.

The war in Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East will be among the central issues under discussion, alongside relations between major powers, the Palestinian issue, artificial intelligence and the future of the United Nations.

US President Donald Trump is expected to hold several meetings with foreign leaders, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is also expected to arrive in New York. The war in Ukraine and diplomatic efforts to end it could be an important part of the discussions.

Developments in the Middle East will also have a prominent place on the agenda. France is expected to hold a meeting focused on a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Meanwhile, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is expected to address the Assembly via video after the US administration denied him a visa to travel to the United States.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is also expected to attend the proceedings in New York, where he is expected to meet with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The Iranian delegation, which includes President Masoud Pezeshkian, will also be part of the Assembly.

Artificial intelligence is another issue expected to receive attention this year. UN discussions will focus on the impact of this technology and the need to establish international rules for its use.

The meeting is taking place at an important time for the organization itself. Secretary-General António Guterres is preparing to leave office at the end of the year, while the race to succeed him continues.

The UN’s financial situation is also expected to be on the agenda. The United States has paid $827 million in dues to the organization, which continues to face financial difficulties.